So now that the Sharks have blown their wad on Karlsson, would it make sense to offer sheet Labanc?
- Wildschwein

Both him and Meier Gonna have to wait and see what else happens. They've got 24mil in cap space prior to Karlsson signing and likely don't want to give up Pavelski, either.

Both him and Meier Gonna have to wait and see what else happens. They've got 24mil in cap space prior to Karlsson signing and likely don't want to give up Pavelski, either.
- MaximumBone

What do you think it’d cost to pilfer Labanc and/or Meier?

What do you think it’d cost to pilfer Labanc and/or Meier?
- Wildschwein

Tough to say. Assume Karlsson gets 11.5 and Pavelski takes a cut and stay at 6, that would leave them with 6.5mil remaining to sign Meier, Labanc and possibly Thornton.

I think Meier will probably be asking for 7mil and will settle in around 6-6.3 while Labanc will get some closer to 4 or 4.5 on a short term deal. They can technically fit both, but they'd need to give up on Thornton and trade Braun.

Giving Labanc an offer of 5.5ish might still be within reasonable value but be too rich for them. However, then youre looking at giving up a 1st and a 3rd for him- is he worth it? I don't think so.

Tough to say. Assume Karlsson gets 11.5 and Pavelski takes a cut and stay at 6, that would leave them with 6.5mil remaining to sign Meier, Labanc and possibly Thornton.

I think Meier will probably be asking for 7mil and will settle in around 6-6.3 while Labanc will get some closer to 4 or 4.5 on a short term deal. They can technically fit both, but they'd need to give up on Thornton and trade Braun.

Giving Labanc an offer of 5.5ish might still be within reasonable value but be too rich for them. However, then youre looking at giving up a 1st and a 3rd for him- is he worth it? I don't think so.
- MaximumBone

I feel that could be argued, especially considering his age/position, steady progression as a player, and our desperate need for immediate help.

1) NJD - Hughes (elite C depth)
2) NYR - Kakko (I would pick him 1st)
3) CHI - Byram (build an elite the D corps)
4) COL - Turcotte (get that elite 2C)
5) LAK - Dach (gotta replace Vilardi as future 1C)

6) DET - Zegras (high-end skill, C/LW)
7) BUF - Cozens (juuust short )
8) EDM - Boldy (a high-end skill winger)
9) ANA - Soderstrom (need to stock up the D again)
10) VAN - Caufield (boom/bust boy)

11) PHI - Krebs (a Schwartz-type would fit well)
12) MIN - Newhook (a high-end talent)
13) FLA - Broberg (draft some D)
14) ARI - Kaliyev (they like math; he thrives by numbers)
15) MTL - Lavoie (French, big AND skilled)

16) COL - Harley (top-end ceiling)
17) VGK - Tomasino (cause they always take who I like)
18) DAL - Seider (been drafting a lot of Fs)
19) NYR - Heinola (the Rangers also take the ones I like)
20) OTT - McMichael (best C prospect available)

21) PIT - Brink (high-end boom/bust)
22) LAK - Kolyachonok (brilliant ceiling)
23) NYI - Suzuki (could use a skill C)
24) NSH - Hoglander (Arivdsson 2.0)
25) WSH - Podkolzin (Russians n stuff)

26) CGY - Beecher (could use a C of his potential)
27) TB - Pelletier (high-end skill)
28) CAR - York (they like American Dmen)
29) ANA? - Vlasic (keep restocking the D pool)
30) BOS - Grewe (plays that sweet, sweet Bruins hockey)
31) BUF - Thomson (RD outta Kelowna)

Knight, Poulin, Robertson and Leason drop to the 2nd.
- MaximumBone

You really think Podz will drop to 25?

You really think Podz will drop to 25?
- RafiDRW

I don't know that I agree with his being ranked as high as he is. There are enough questions about his high-end potential in conjunction with his decision to stay in Russia that I think enough teams could pass. I could see Florida or the Rangers taking a chance on him, but they had existing needs for Dmen that perhaps supersede the consensus rankings.

While the overall stance toward Russians has softened over the years, I've seen enough of them drop to feel comfortable predicting it. I think every team that passes on him has valid reasons to do so and their draft history supports that kind of decision.

You really think Podz will drop to 25?
- RafiDRW

I can totally see Detroit drafting him at 6.

Nonetheless, this is probably going to be an interesting draft year solely due to its unpredictability after the top 2 picks.

Edit: Fixed the draft position mistake.

I don't know that I agree with his being ranked as high as he is. There are enough questions about his high-end potential in conjunction with his decision to stay in Russia that I think enough teams could pass. I could see Florida or the Rangers taking a chance on him, but they had existing needs for Dmen that perhaps supersede the consensus rankings.

While the overall stance toward Russians has softened over the years, I've seen enough of them drop to feel comfortable predicting it. I think every team that passes on him has valid reasons to do so and their draft history supports that kind of decision.
- MaximumBone

What reason would Detroit have for passing over him? They've had a great history with regards to Russian players.

I'm starting to really prefer the idea of trading down. Assuming Cozens hasn't fallen to #8, then I'd push hard for a deal with Ottawa to get more picks. Something like #8, a 4th and Gagner for #19, #32 and Pageau would get us in range for Tomasino or McMichael, give us another pick in the high 2nd round and give us a cap neutral forward upgrade. Ottawa can get jump back into the top-10 and save Melnyk 200k in actual dollars for a 50k higher cap hit. As far as draft pick value, Cullen's chart details that #8 has a value equal to that of 19 and 32.

Best available based on McKenzie's list:

#19 - Tomasino/McMichael
#32 - Beecher/Hoglander
#38 - Grewe/Fagemo

That would quickly restock our forward cupboards.

What reason would Detroit have for passing over him? They've had a great history with regards to Russian players.
- EdmHockeyMan

There's a comparable (perhaps better) talent available without any of the risk attached to a Russian out of the KHL.

They've HAD a great history, but they haven't picked a Russian since Svechnikov in 2015 and haven't picked a Russian out of the KHL since Kadeykin in the 7th round of 2014. Maybe Yzerman changes that philosophy, but that'd be a pretty radical change in direction assuming they've kept most of the existing scouting staff in place so far.

Really wish I could share in all this draft enthusiasm, but I find myself giving zero (frank)s about it. Dunno why this is, but it is.

I'm starting to really prefer the idea of trading down. Assuming Cozens hasn't fallen to #8, then I'd push hard for a deal with Ottawa to get more picks. Something like #8, a 4th and Gagner for #19, #32 and Pageau would get us in range for Tomasino or McMichael, give us another pick in the high 2nd round and give us a cap neutral forward upgrade. Ottawa can get jump back into the top-10 and save Melnyk 200k in actual dollars for a 50k higher cap hit. As far as draft pick value, Cullen's chart details that #8 has a value equal to that of 19 and 32.

Best available based on McKenzie's list:

#19 - Tomasino/McMichael
#32 - Beecher/Hoglander
#38 - Grewe/Fagemo

That would quickly restock our forward cupboards.
- MaximumBone

I also like the idea of trading down but I see a move from 8 down to 12-14 as the best option since I think some of the players who are arguably in the mix for 6-10 will still be around at 12-14. People like Soderstrom, Krebs, Broberg, Podkolzin, Newhook and to a lesser degree Caufield seem like they could go in either 6-10 or 12-14.

But I also like your proposed trade with Ottawa.

I also like the idea of trading down but I see a move from 8 down to 12-14 as the best option since I think some of the players who are arguably in the mix for 6-10 will still be around at 12-14. People like Soderstrom, Krebs, Broberg, Podkolzin, Newhook and to a lesser degree Caufield seem like they could go in either 6-10 or 12-14.

But I also like your proposed trade with Ottawa.
- RonPielep

I have my issues with all of those names. Even if I was trading down the 12 to 14, I'd still likely grab Tomasino (I have him ranked high) so I'd rather get the greatest asset in addition that I can while still being able to grab my guy.

I have my issues with all of those names. Even if I was trading down the 12 to 14, I'd still likely grab Tomasino (I have him ranked high) so I'd rather get the greatest asset in addition that I can while still being able to grab my guy.
- MaximumBone

Trade down for Tomasino in the first but if we can’t then Cozens, Boldy or Caufield would work too then draft Kolyachonok or Keppen in the 2nd

What do you think it’d cost to pilfer Labanc and/or Meier?
- Wildschwein

I wouldn’t mind getting Donskoi either

I wouldn’t mind getting Donskoi either
- RatedR80

I wouldn't mind Demko if he could be pried from the Nucks in part of a bigger Lucic for LE swap.

I wouldn't mind Demko if he could be pried from the Nucks in part of a bigger Lucic for LE swap.
- RonPielep

I would be quite surprised if the Nucks parted with him right now....I would assume people will want to see how Markstrom plays next year to see if last season was the real deal or not

I would be quite surprised if the Nucks parted with him right now....I would assume people will want to see how Markstrom plays next year to see if last season was the real deal or not
- RatedR80

Yeah probably wishful thinking but they do have Mikey DiPietro.

I don't know that I agree with his being ranked as high as he is. There are enough questions about his high-end potential in conjunction with his decision to stay in Russia that I think enough teams could pass. I could see Florida or the Rangers taking a chance on him, but they had existing needs for Dmen that perhaps supersede the consensus rankings.

While the overall stance toward Russians has softened over the years, I've seen enough of them drop to feel comfortable predicting it. I think every team that passes on him has valid reasons to do so and their draft history supports that kind of decision.
- MaximumBone

I mean, I definitely agree he will drop to the early teens, in my opinion. I just can’t see that far down.

I can totally see Detroit drafting him at 7.

Nonetheless, this is probably going to be an interesting draft year solely due to its unpredictability after the top 2 picks.
- EdmHockeyMan

A lot of hype that management are leaking that this is the most conversations teams have had in possibly decades. I see a lot of trades possible.

Also, Wings draft 6th, you curr.

There's a comparable (perhaps better) talent available without any of the risk attached to a Russian out of the KHL.

They've HAD a great history, but they haven't picked a Russian since Svechnikov in 2015 and haven't picked a Russian out of the KHL since Kadeykin in the 7th round of 2014. Maybe Yzerman changes that philosophy, but that'd be a pretty radical change in direction assuming they've kept most of the existing scouting staff in place so far.
- MaximumBone

Yzerman does like his Russians. I think I read he’s drafted two per draft over the last four drafts. I’d be okay with it if we traded back and acquired a defenseman prospect or younger established dman. Maybe 8th and Bouchard or 16th and Girard. Something along those lines. Might be asking too much.

Really wish I could share in all this draft enthusiasm, but I find myself giving zero (frank)s about it. Dunno why this is, but it is.
- Wildschwein

Start drinking and look at photos of Yakupov, Omark, and Puljijarvi. You’ll really start feeling towards the draft then.

Yzerman does like his Russians. I think I read he’s drafted two per draft over the last four drafts. I’d be okay with it if we traded back and acquired a defenseman prospect or younger established dman. Maybe 8th and Bouchard or 16th and Girard. Something along those lines. Might be asking too much.
- RafiDRW

Yeah, that's asking WAY too much You'd be lucky to get Bear.

I also like the idea of trading down but I see a move from 8 down to 12-14 as the best option since I think some of the players who are arguably in the mix for 6-10 will still be around at 12-14. People like Soderstrom, Krebs, Broberg, Podkolzin, Newhook and to a lesser degree Caufield seem like they could go in either 6-10 or 12-14.

But I also like your proposed trade with Ottawa.
- RonPielep

You like Soderwtrom over York? Is it because of RH or LH?

I wouldn’t mind getting Donskoi either
- RatedR80

I wrote an article about him back in Friday Should be posted within the next day or two.